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One of the factors that often easily distinguishes value and enthusiast/overclocking-grade
system memory is whether RAM heatspreaders are utilized. However, this
generalization between value and enthusiast/overclocking friendly memory can
sometimes be misleading as we had seen with the Kingmax Mars DDR2-667 (KLCC28F-A8EB5)
that reached CAS 3-3-3-8 timings (SPD: 5-5-5-15), and also achieved a maximum
stable frequency of DDR2-850MHz without any integrated cooling devices. While
present day memory heatspreaders do not serve as large a purpose as they had
back when they were conceived in the RD-RAM days, they can be somewhat beneficial
in assuring the maximum frequency when overclocking (as Corsair had shown in
a technical demonstration, about a 3-4 MHz advantage). GeIL's Value memory does
indeed use memory heatspreaders, which are brushed aluminum in the instance of their Value series.
One side of the heatspreaders contains the specification while the opposing side is blank. On
the informative side is a GeIL moniker in the center of the heatspreader while
to the left side is a DDR2 sticker and to the right side is the holographic
part sticker. This sticker contains the following information: 512MB PC2-8000,
DDR2-1000, CL=5-5-5-15, GX21GB8000DC, Voltage: 2.3V, and made in Taiwan. The
working voltage for the GeIL DDR2-1000 Value is 1.90V to 2.30V. These aluminum
heatspreaders are attached to the PCB and ICs with thermal tape and no clips
are needed. Unlike OCZ's XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) or other innovative
heatspreaders, the GeIL heatspreader design remains relatively standard in the
industry and does not utilize any innovations to prevent warm-air pockets or
maximizing the airflow.

After the testing had wrapped up, we proceeded to remove the heatspreaders
off the GeIL DDR2-1000MHz 512MB modules. Keep in mind, removing the heatspreaders
will void the Golden Emperor International LTD lifetime warranty. The thermal
tape used on the heatspreaders is relatively strong, and the 512MB modules are single-sided
so take care when removing the opposite side of the heatspreader to prevent
damage to the PCB. With the heatspreaders removed, the RAM ICs were printed
with GeIL markings, thus not knowing the original manufacturer of these parts.
The GeIL markings included AMIE0582, U549H8G0W101, and GL2L64M088BA18W. Although
the RAM ICs were masked, the DDR2 PCB manufacturer was Brainpower. The PCB markings
included BP MLL E186014 B62URCD 1 00.

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